Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence - Accepting Applications

Innovators in the province's agriculture and food industry are encouraged to apply for awards under the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program.

The $2.5-million, five-year program (currently in its fourth year) was established to recognize innovators who contribute to the success of Ontario's agri-food sector.

The awards program includes the Premier's Award (up to $100,000), the Minister's Award (up to $50,000) and as many as 55 regional awards of $5,000 each.

Program applications must be received by November 16, 2009, and will be reviewed by two independent panels made up of representatives from across Ontario's agri-food industry. Additional information and application forms are available on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website.

Who Can Apply?

Individuals and/or groups representing agri-food businesses and organizations can submit applications. To be eligible, at least one of the applicants must be a farmer eligible to obtain an Ontario Farm Business Registration number.) The innovation must be in use on an Ontario farm, or be in the planning stages of development with a business plan towards implementation. The innovation must also have the potential for use on a broader basis and demonstrate a positive effect on the agricultural industry.

What kinds of innovations are eligible?

Examples of types of innovation include but are not limited to:

• improved farm practices
• responding to consumer demands
• environmental stewardship
• health and safety on the farm
• energy innovations
• education and marketing of agriculture to society
• local food; and
• a new category added for 2009 traceability

Visit the OMAFRA website at www.ontario.ca/agrifoodinnovation for examples of past winners. Applications can be obtained - and submitted - online or they are available by calling the Agriculture Information Contact Centre at 1-877-464-1300.